I flash back to years ago, when I watched a toddler try his legs, wobbling all the way. He leans, he tips, and...I run with an outstretched arm, longing to catch him and spare him any pain.

But he falls. And my heart hurts for him.

I shake my head, bringing me back to the present. Seated here in the Spectator Mom section of the dating game, I watch those steps again. I resist crying, "Don't break my boy's heart!"

He's wise for his years; he makes good choices. But fall we all must, and no one can really absorb that shock for us.

But the good thing about falling -- whether in your first attempts to walk or to date or just in living life -- the good thing is, we learn from the falls.

As a mother, I don't want to see my boys hurt; I want to spare them the pain. But it's part of love, you know? And it's part of life. The bottom line is that Someone greater than me -- Someone who loves with an infinite love -- is there to soften all the blows of life.

No one ever told me it would be this hard to watch, though.

Do I wish I'd known? Probably best that I didn't. The less I know, the more I have to rely on that Someone greater.

So, I sit back, with a heart full, and I lean on Him.

Linking up with Bonnie today for What I Wish I'd Known About Dating, part of her Unwrapping Love series.

Laura, What a neat topic and you have handled it so well. Whether it be dating, or jobs, or friends, watching our children as adults can often be so difficult when we know they are hurting and we don't know all the details. And you are so right that One greater than us knows and will take care of them I have proved Him so many times. Good post. Clella

Hi Laura! What a great post to meet you on and hear your words. It is hard. I have 2 boys and I am amazed how my heart takes over my head -- esp. when I see them dealing with hurt. Thanks for jamming and so love having you show up with your brew! Thnx for keeping the light on for me...

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ARE YOU OUTNUMBERED?

Overwhelmed? Surrounded?

I’ve spent most of my “mom life” outnumbered … by four sons!

It’s easy for a mom to feel outnumbered today, to feel isolated and alone. But we really can’t do it all alone.

Moms need each other, not to mention a touch of something greater than us.

Along the way I’ve stumbled on a few ways to cope with this “mom life.” I’m here to share and to learn from you, too.

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Hang on, Mom!

LAURA LEE GROVES

The mother of four boys, a writer, and a teacher, my heart is for moms. Ours is the noblest profession, and we can't do it all alone. Read on to help yourself, your family, your spirit, and to find ways to reach out to other moms.

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